A number of local and international artistes of repute are listed to perform in the sixth edition of the Gozo Music Festival, which this year will be held at the Maxtura Fields in August. This was announced during a press conference, addressed by festival organisers Dynamic Promotions, collaborators Fresh Music Agency and the Minister for Gozo.

The Gozo Music Festival, to be held on the 18th of August, is an annual event that has established itself amongst local patrons, especially youths, providing an ideal opportunity for local talent to perform alongside established international artistes in the music scene.

This year’s line-up includes local performers Ira Losco and Band, Winter Moods, Ivan Filletti and Friends, Scar, Gianni and Rug, Spectrum, Cash and band, Klinsmann and band and Indigo together with DJs Ruby, Miss Roberta, J Joy, Joseph Armani, Carl Bee, Alex Grech, Malcolm B and Duncan F to name a few. Foreign artistes already signed to participate include Shena, singer of the massive hits Stupidisco and Guilty; Erick E the Dutch House Master; and Prezioso and Marvin who are well known for their Festivalbar 1999 Tell Me Why and Voglio Vederti Danzare amongst others.

Speaking at the press launch, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo said that events such as the Gozo Music Festival enhance Gozo’s popularity amongst visitors by providing a distinct and different night out for the younger generation, while it provides an ideal platform for local artistes to perform in front of a sizeable crowd. Although well-patronised in August, Gozo hardly provides for special events such as this music festival, to attract youths and young adults. The Ministry for Gozo is supporting the organisers of this event since it believes that cultural and entertaining events of high quality contribute strongly to the tourism product on offer.

Minister Debono referred to the recent successful organisation of Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana by the Ministry for Gozo and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture, amply demonstrating that cultural and musical events prove to be popular amongst all generations. Minister Debono also referred to the Gozo Attractions Incentive Scheme launched earlier this year by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Gozo, to financially assist organisers of cultural or entertaining events that contribute to the island’s tourism product.

Minister Debono said that Gozo can reap further benefits in tapping specific niche tourism areas, with the Government already investing heavily in selected areas, including diving, and culture and heritage.